The House Ethics Committee is continuing its investigation into Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz (R) for allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. On Tuesday, the bipartisan committee made an unusual announcement, stating that they have issued 25 subpoenas as part of the investigation.
As The Hill reports:
In a rare public update about the investigation, the committee said that the high-profile probe into the firebrand Florida congressman has been the subject of “a significant and unusual amount of public reporting,” and that “much of that reporting has been inaccurate.”
“Notwithstanding the difficulty in obtaining relevant information from Representative Gaetz and others, the Committee has spoken with more than a dozen witnesses, issued 25 subpoenas, and reviewed thousands of pages of documents in this matter. Based on its review to date, the Committee has determined that certain of the allegations merit continued review,” the committee said. “During the course of its investigation, the Committee has also identified additional allegations that merit review.”
It is continuing to investigate whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, engaged in illicit drug use, or accepted improper gifts, matters that it first started investigating in April 2021, the panel said.
The committee also confirmed new lines of inquiry: Whether Gaetz “dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship” and “sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.”
The developments come after a Department of Justice investigation into Gaetz concerning possible sex trafficking violations, which was closed without charges being filed.
Gaetz denies all allegations and reports that he orchestrated the removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy due to his refusal to halt the investigation.
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Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C., metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.
